Dumalneg: Students with special needs and some members of the Isneg community here get to promote their unique culture and artistry while earning for a living, thanks to modern machines given by the government.

According to Philippines News Agency, the modified handloom weaving machines, given by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in 2020, have been useful in creating unique inabel products such as "aken," the native cloth attire of the Isneg tribe. Janice Pagon, a resident of Barangay Quibel, expressed that weaving "aken" gives her a sense of pride and identity. She appreciates the opportunity to be part of the weavers of 'aken' in Dumalneg.

Aside from "aken," Dumalneg weavers have developed other unique inabel designs, transforming them into products such as leis and place mats. This endeavor was made possible through Project INABEL, a collaboration of DOST with other government agencies to promote indigenous culture through ethnic attire weaving. This initiative led to the formation of the Dumalneg Weavers Association, consisting of at least 17 individuals trained in traditional handloom weaving.

Participants were also instructed on design formulation and were later awarded TheraLoom machines. Students with special needs have found weaving therapeutic and are actively involved in Project INABEL, as stated by the Dumalneg Weavers Association. The association expressed gratitude for the opportunity to promote inabel as a therapeutic activity, especially for Special Education (SPED) students.

The weavers hope that Dumalneg's culture, treasure, and artistry will become more recognized through weaving. In support of Dumalneg's loom weaving industry, the Department of Tourism in Ilocos Region (DOT-Region 1) recently purchased "abel"-inspired place mats as souvenirs for visitors. DOT-Region 1 chief tourism officer Gaye Acacio stated that this initiative is a way of promoting local products and empowering communities.